Yesterday, we celebrated Veterans Day commemorating the service of 21.2 million men and women throughout the United States who served in our armed forces. Of those, some are wounded from recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, some are still suffering from the long term effects of prior conflicts in Korea, Vietnam and World War II. Others, although not injured are entitled to benefits from their years of service and many are not aware what those benefits might be.
The list and types of benefits are extensive and there are very specific criteria for each. However, for those who would like to explore the overall, there needs to be a beginning point and this column at least hopes to provide that.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has an online booklet that can be accessed by going to www.va.gov, then clicking Veterans Services, then Inside Veterans Services, and then Benefits Booklet. There is a 71 page 2013 On-Line Edition of the booklet that can be downloaded on-line.
Here are some of the subjects covered which will give you an idea of how extensive this field is: health care benefits, service-connected disabilities, vocational rehabilitation and employment, pensions, education and training, home loan guaranty, VA life insurance, burial and memorial benefits, reserve and national guard, special groups of veterans, transition assistance, dependents and survivors health care, dependents and survivors benefits, military medals and records, benefits provided by other federal agencies, and VA facilities. Veterans should be aware of their benefits, and seek more when the need arises. For example, in camp lejeune, several veterans unknowingly used and consumed water contaminated with dangerous chemicals for years, leading to all sorts of health issues. Several of these veterans are seeking compensation in a camp lejeune water contamination lawsuit, and are fighting along with their legal counsel to secure a positive outcome, one that can lead to them getting the medical attention they now need as a result.
In addition to the federal information, readers might be interested in searching www.military.com. Although this site has an immense amount of information about virtually every veterans government benefit nationally, it also gives access to information specific to Pennsylvania or any other state. Those interested should go to www.military.com, then click “benefits,” then “veteran benefits,” then “state veteran’s benefits,” then Pennsylvania or whatever state they wish to search.
Some of Pennsylvania’s benefits such as tax exemption from real estate taxes require 100% service connected disability.
As to health care, most people are familiar with the Pennsylvania’s State Veterans Homes which are available to veterans and spouses and surviving spouse of eligible veterans who were released under honorable conditions. One such Home is located in Chester County at Spring City. Pennsylvania residency is required.
Chester County is also, of course, home to the Coatesville VA Medical Center which has been an invaluable resource to the community for many years. Coatesville VA’s website reports that the hospital provided health care to 18,558 Veterans and had 200,702 outpatient visits in 2012 including 1,263 Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans and 871 women Veterans served. Many local Chester Countians first become acquainted with VA services through the Coatesville facility including benefits for prescription drugs. There are also benefits for homeless veterans and returning service members.
Healthcare benefits include Tricare for those under age 65 and not on Medicare, and Tricare for Life for those 65 and over and for those under age 65 on Medicare. Tricare for Life acts as a supplemental insurance to Medicare (and to private employer sponsored plans) and requires enrollment in Medicare “B.”. Since VA providers cannot bill Medicare and Medicare cannot pay for services received from VA, it is important to differentiate the payment source before receiving services either from private sources or VA. More details are contained in the Tricare for Life section under www.military.com.
One subject I have addressed in the past, Aid and Attendance is a significant monthly benefit used primarily but not exclusively in personal care homes (previously known as assisted living in Pennsylvania). Aid and Attendance does not require service connected disability but it does require service during wartime with 90 days or more of active duty, 1 day beginning or ending in a period of war, and that the claimant have received an honorable discharge. The claimant veteran must require the “aid and attendance” of another (non-family member) to assist him in his daily life. The benefit is also available to widows and widowers of qualified veterans. Over and above the Aid and Attendance benefit, the VA system has some respite, hospice, and at-home care.
I might note proudly that my sister, Joanne, is a nurse at the new VA Medical Facility in Las Vegas, Nevada.
To enter the VA health care system, you can submit an application for enrollment (VA Form 1010EZ) online at www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/.
